Ministers Rally Behind Starmer in Mandelson Row

April 19, 2026

(FILES) Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer holds a meeting to discuss the US-Israeli conflict with Iran and the impact on the Strait of Hormuz, inside 10 Downing Street in London on March 30, 2026. Embattled British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said April, 17 2026, it was "unforgivable" and "unacceptable" he was not told that Peter Mandelson, his sacked envoy to Washington, had failed security vetting. "I was not told that he had failed security vetting. No minister was told that he'd failed security vetting... that is completely unacceptable," he said during an unrelated visit to Paris. (Photo by Jaimi Joy / POOL / AFP)

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is under renewed pressure as ministers rally behind him over the escalating controversy surrounding Peter Mandelson, whose appointment as Britain’s ambassador to the United States has triggered a political storm.

Starmer is expected to face lawmakers in Parliament on Monday to explain how Mandelson was selected for the high-profile diplomatic role in late 2024 despite reportedly failing key security vetting checks. The issue has reignited scrutiny over Starmer’s judgment and leadership, with opposition figures demanding answers and some calling for his resignation.

Speaking on Friday, Starmer said neither he nor senior ministers had been informed that Mandelson had failed the clearance process. He described the omission as “unforgivable” and blamed officials in the Foreign Office for allowing the appointment to proceed despite objections from security advisers.

The fallout has already claimed one senior casualty after Starmer dismissed top civil servant Olly Robins on Thursday, prompting criticism from former officials who accused Downing Street of using him as a scapegoat.

Government ministers moved quickly over the weekend to defend the prime minister. Technology minister Liz Kendall told the BBC that Starmer would never have approved Mandelson’s appointment had he known the full facts. She argued that Starmer should remain in office because he had “made the right call” on major national issues, including closer ties with the European Union and limiting Britain’s involvement in the Iran conflict.

UK PM, Keir Starmer, fired Lord Peter Mandelson as Ambassador to the US last year. Image credit: Pool/AFP via Getty Images

“I think he is an honest man and a man of integrity who says it was a mistake to appoint him,” Kendall added in an interview with Sky News.

Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, who was foreign secretary when Mandelson was sent to Washington, echoed that position. He told the Guardian it was “inexplicable” that Downing Street had not been informed, adding he was “shocked and surprised” when he learned what had happened.

The controversy has been especially damaging because Mandelson’s long-known friendship with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein had already raised public concern. Starmer removed Mandelson from office in September 2025 after fresh details emerged about the extent of those ties.

Meanwhile, UK police are investigating allegations of misconduct in public office linked to Mandelson’s time as a Labour minister more than 15 years ago. He was arrested and released in February. Mandelson has not been charged and denies any criminal wrongdoing.

For Starmer, the episode adds to mounting political difficulties and deepens questions over trust, competence and accountability at the heart of government.

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Tope Oke

Temitope is a storyteller driven by a passion for the intricate world of geopolitics, the raw beauty of wildlife, and the dynamic spirit of sports. As both a writer and editor, he excels at crafting insightful and impactful narratives that not only inform but also inspire and advocate for positive change. Through his work, he aims to shed light on complex issues, celebrate diverse perspectives, and encourage readers to engage with the world around them in a more meaningful way.